In today’s office environment, cleanliness is not just a priority, but a necessity. One of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy workspace is ensuring that high-touch surfaces are regularly disinfected. These areas are touched frequently by many people, making them hotspots for bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
1. Door Handles and Light Switches
These are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in any office. Every time someone enters a room or flips a light on or off, they come into contact with these areas.
How to Disinfect:
- Use a disinfectant spray or wipe with at least 70% alcohol.
- Focus on all sides of the handle or switch.
- For high-traffic areas, disinfect multiple times throughout the day.
2. Desks and Workstations
Desks can accumulate germs quickly, especially because they serve as the primary workspace. Phones, computers, and other office tools are all high-contact items.
How to Disinfect:
- Use a disinfectant wipe or spray approved for electronics for the keyboard, mouse, and phone.
- Wipe down the desk surface with a disinfectant cloth or a spray and cloth, ensuring you reach all areas.
- Be sure to pay extra attention to shared workstations or conference room desks.
3. Office Equipment (Printers, Copiers, and Fax Machines)
These shared devices see a lot of hand traffic throughout the day, which makes them potential breeding grounds for germs.
How to Disinfect:
- Use disinfectant wipes specifically designed for electronics to clean control panels, touchscreens, and buttons.
- Disinfect the handles and paper trays with a regular disinfectant cloth or spray.
- Clean at least once a day, or more frequently in high-use areas.
4. Elevator Buttons
In multi-floor office buildings, elevators are unavoidable. The buttons are pressed by almost everyone entering or exiting the building.
How to Disinfect:
- Use an alcohol-based wipe or spray on a cloth to disinfect the buttons.
- Consider frequent cleanings throughout the day, especially during peak traffic times like morning arrivals and lunch hours.
5. Breakroom Appliances (Microwaves, Refrigerators, Coffee Makers)
These appliances are used by multiple people and are often overlooked when it comes to daily cleaning.
How to Disinfect:
- Wipe down refrigerator handles, microwave buttons, and coffee machine parts that are touched frequently with a disinfectant wipe.
- Ensure the interior of the microwave is cleaned daily, especially if food spills occur.
- Don’t forget shared items like utensils and surfaces in the breakroom as well!
6. Conference Room Tables and Chairs
Conference rooms are high-traffic areas where multiple people touch the same surfaces over the course of a meeting. Tables, chairs, and even shared equipment like remotes or telephones should be prioritized.
How to Disinfect:
- Wipe down the entire table and armrests of the chairs with a disinfectant.
- Clean any shared equipment such as remotes or speakerphones with a disinfectant approved for electronics.
- For frequent meetings, consider disinfecting before and after each use.
7. Shared Restrooms
Restrooms in the office are obvious areas that require frequent and thorough disinfection, including toilet handles, faucets, and soap dispensers.
How to Disinfect:
- Use an EPA-approved disinfectant for restrooms on all surfaces, including sinks, countertops, and toilet handles.
- Don’t forget to clean door handles and stall locks as well.
- Ensure that paper towels and hand sanitizers are readily available.
Best Practices for Office Disinfection
To maintain a healthy office environment, here are some general best practices to follow:
- Use EPA-approved disinfectants for effective germ-killing. These are specially formulated to eliminate bacteria and viruses that may cause illness.
- Ensure proper contact time for disinfectants. Most disinfectants need to sit for a certain amount of time (as per manufacturer instructions) to work effectively. Simply wiping and moving on may not be enough.
- Disinfect regularly, especially in high-traffic areas. It’s not just about cleaning at the end of the day; frequent cleaning throughout the day is necessary in busy environments.
- Encourage personal hygiene practices. Educate staff on the importance of hand washing and provide hand sanitizing stations throughout the office.
By paying close attention to these common touch points, offices can significantly reduce the spread of germs and promote a healthier workspace for everyone. A proper disinfection routine not only helps protect the health of employees but also boosts morale by showing a commitment to their safety and well-being. If you’re looking for professional office cleaning services that prioritize thorough disinfection and use eco-friendly products, contact Sano Office Care Inc. We specialize in keeping offices clean, safe, and healthy for your employees and clients.